Pages

Friday, December 14, 2012

Tiecoon is offering a free tie for it's customers to help celebrate Christmas. Use the coupon code Christmas (for five dollars off and the same cost of most of their ties) and you will just have to pay for shipping.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Holidays can be a time where we get wrapped up in getting people presents, holiday parties, and are to do lists. To make the season more meaningful, try sharing some Christmas love this season. Here are some ideas on how to do that:

Christmas Cards: Let someone know you care and are thinking about them.

Visit a Nursing Home: Call a local nursing home to see if you can stop by with a group of friends and/or your family members to visit with the nursing home residents and/or sing Christmas Carols. Most nursing homes are eager for people to drop by.

Visit Facilities for the Mentally Disabled: Sometimes people with MRDD can be forgotten over the holidays. Call ahead and see if you can arrange a visit to carol or read a Christmas Story (children's book) to residents.

Donate to the Local Food Bank

Help feed the homeless through a homeless shelter

Deliver Christmas Cookies to Friends, Neighbors and Co-workers

Donate to Toys to a Children's Hospital: The local children's hospital may be accepting toys to hand out to their patients. Check out their website for rules and how to help contribute.

Surprise Christmas: If you have extra money for the holidays, purchase Christmas dinner items and presents for a family in need and drop it anonymously on their doorstep or have it delivered to them. I usually ask my church's leaders, but there are also non-profit family organizations that are trying to provide for members in the community (and local school principals might have an idea too).

12 Days of Christmas: Provide a treat or Christmas gift anonymously on a neighbor's/friend's doorstep for the twelve days of Christmas.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Some options...

CrowdTap, a social marketing platform, allows brands to ask questions about their brands and products. Old Navy recently had a sample and share for their sweaters - a friend and I got a free sweater for sharing our experience. I ended up sending one of the coupons for the free sweater to my friend in Ohio. She picked a cute sweater that looked great on her.

My experience was a little on the rough side. Old Navy didn't have as many sweater options in the store as they did online. I had to scour the store in order to find a few sweaters to try on. There wasn't any one to greet me and besides a few cashiers there wasn't an employee on the floor to respond to any questions. There also was no one back by the fitting room when I initially went to try a few things on. I ended up choosing a black boyfriend cardigan. The sweater was soft and comfortable. I am not sure it was the best choice for someone that's short, but I figured I could make it work.

After I made my decision, I headed toward the line. A woman two spots in front of me offered a woman with two small children to go in front of her, which was nice. We waited in line for about fifteen minutes and the two small children were getting anxious so they started pulling product down from the display. The woman who let the other woman cut was getting frustrated that the line was taking two long and we weren't moving. The line also started to fill up behind me. After another ten minutes, the people behind me also started complaining. A manager finally came out and opened another line, which started the line moving, but the damage was already done since several customers were very unhappy about their experience. I couldn't complain much since I was getting a free sweater, but if I wasn't I wouldn't have stayed in that line.

It might have just been that particular store since I have been to other Old Navy's and had a better experience. I also tend to like buying things online through them since you can use coupon codes and get a percentage back via ebates on your purchase. If you're interested in doing a sample and share, sign up for crowdtap (you can also earn points for amazon gift certificates).

Monday, December 10, 2012

If you go to mormon.org/christmas, you can request a free bible and download free Christmas music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. There are also free ecards that you can send to your family and friends.

Friday, December 7, 2012

If you're a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and looking for a meaningful Christmas, anniversary or wedding gift, check out My Temple Art. You can personalize names and dates, scripture or sayings on a picture of the temple and you can choose from temple pictures from around the world. My husband and I got a blanket with the temple we got married in with the date and that was one of the most precious gifts that we received - a remembrance of the day we got sealed together. This can be a meaningful and thoughtful gift for friends and family members. Check it out here.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

We all like to cozy up in the winter on the couch with warm popcorn and hot chocolate to watch Christmas movies.

Here are some of my top picks:

Miracle on 34th Street: Miracle on 34th Street is one of ultimate favorite Christmas movies about believing in something or someone even if reason says otherwise.

It's a Wonderful Life: This movie shows that our lives can have meaning and hope even if it seems like we are doomed.

White Christmas: I am not a huge fan of miracles and I often fast forward through the fast songs, but this one is a classic filled with a few Christmas songs and shows that helping an old friend is better than publicity (also love can happen quickly).

While You Were Sleeping: This isn't entirely a Christmas movie, but the guy does go into a coma on Christmas day, but it shows the spirit of family and helps you to appreciate your loved ones for the holiday.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: It's usually on TV once a year and you can even view it on Hulu. Charlie Brown and the gang find the true meaning of Christmas and help remind us the true meaning as well.

Home Alone: Home Alone is probably the most dangerous to show kids - the first time my brothers and I saw it, we wanted to try and slide down the stairs in a sled and out the front door. It's funny and shows that no matter how much you think you want to be alone, you will still want your family around during the holidays.

Santa Clause: I enjoy watching this film in the holidays and watching how becoming Santa Claus and learning more about the feeling of Christmas can change a man into becoming a better person and dad.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Tiecoon is offering two different styles of Skinny Ties for $1. There's a blue and yellow style. I like the blue the best. My generation always thought the thicker the better, but within the past couple years skinnier ties are in.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Here are some Shabby Apple Giveaways to enter! Good Luck! Shabby Apple creates modest and fashionable dresses. They can be on the pricey side and their sizing can be odd (don't ever order the Calooh Callay!), but if you get the right size they look really cute on. Every time I wear one of their dresses I get a compliment. Also if you decide to forgo the contests and get a dress, be sure to go to Retail Me Not to get codes for percentages off of a dress. One of my favorites that I own is Tinsel Town's L.A.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

I am not a die hard You Tube video watcher at all. I would much rather see something on hulu, that's not someone filming their cat sliding down a slide or someone playing a practical joke. I also don't laugh out loud a lot. Somethings just don't warrant a laugh. There is one set of videos on You Tube that will crack a smile and get a laugh out - Kid History Videos. Kid History Videos is a story told from a kids perspective, but acted out by adults. It sounds like it's something that could be considered quite dumb, but they are actually pretty clever. Check it out here:

Monday, December 3, 2012

You may have heard about Tiecoon from me in previous posts, Tiecoon offers inexpensive and classy looking ties. To celebrate the holidays, Tiecoon is doing a twelve days of Christmas deals. Today's deal is two choices of a $1 bow tie - a purple bow tie and a blue geometric style. It seems like a great deal especially if you're into bow ties.

Friday, November 30, 2012

You might have heard this before, but if you shop online, you should have an Ebates account. Since being a member, I've gotten over sixty dollars in cash back. Ebates is an online rebates account that gives you a percentage of your purchase back from online retailers. Online retailers include Expedia (that's right cash back on flights), Walmart.com, Barnes and Noble, Groupon, Old Navy, The Limited, Express and more. When you shop for Christmas, book flights for the holidays and more be sure to use Ebates and get cash back on your purchases.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Tiecoon is an online retailer of ties. I got ties for my wedding from them and then a spring tie for my husband. They're inexpensive and have a variety of styles. Tiecoon just sent out an email announcing that you can get a pink and grey tie for a $1. That doesn't include shipping and handling, but what a deal! Check it out here.

Roolee: Roolee is an online
boutique offering modest clothing. Their site offers cute options for
tops, shirts, dresses and pants. To check them out, click here.

Downeast Basics: My favorite is their wonder tee, a cap sleeve shirt that's thin and go underneath a sweater or lower cut shirt to make it more modest. Some of their more normal tops also have a funky, fun style to them.

Shabby Apple: Shabby apple is on the pricey side, but they tend to have modest dresses and skirts. Be sure to read the reviews on a dress before you buy it (sometimes the sizing and cut is off).

Business Wear: Higher end retailers that offer business type clothing tend to have modest skirts, dresses and shirts: Ann Taylor, The Limited, Lands End, Eddie Bauer and Talbots.

Junie Blake: I haven't tried them yet, but their website offers some cute dresses.

Latter Day Bride: I haven't tried Latter Day Bride, but they offer everyday modest dresses, skirts and tops.

Eshakti: I haven't tried them, but have heard good things about them. Eshakti will customize a dress to fit your body and they offer options to customize the neckline and sleeve.

William Riera: I also haven't tried this site, but they offer cute dresses that are modest.

Another one is also Mika Rose. I have had one unpleasant experience with them regarding a return and another positive one (except I didn't have a return). Mikarose has some really cute modest clothing options.

Hanna Andersson: Hanna Andersson can be pricey, but their clothes last a long time. My grandmother got a pair of pajamas for my brothers that withstood their running around, roughness and they never lost their color. They have women, men and children clothing. A majority of their clothing is modest and classic looking. Hanna Andersson also has matching clothes for family portraits.

Sweet Salt: Sweet Salt can be found online here and at Seagull Bookstores. I have a couple of Sweet Salt items - skirts and tops. They are affordable, great quality and have a variety of styles. I would highly recommend checking them out.

My Sister's Closet: My Sister's Closet offers a variety of modest clothing options. Some of their clothing options also include plus size.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Is it worth rushing out to the store to take advantage of Black Friday sales? Before the sales and deals, start become annoying and even before all the holiday madness; I like to ask myself a couple of questions:

1. Who do I need to get presents for? Some family members or friends we don't exchange gifts with or don't need anything so I make a mental or write a list of who to give gifts for.

2. What would the person that I am getting a gift for need or want? I try to be thoughtful on my gift giving. Sometimes it can be really hard especially the person who has everything.

3. What would the person I am getting a gift for appreciate? I know from experience that socks for a family member might not be appreciated whereas a favorite move or homemade scarf would be more receptive.

Instead of rushing out the store to buy gifts or buying stuff that is just on sale, think more carefully about the person. The cost of presents or Christmas doesn't seem as important as the meaning behind the gift and I get more excited about gift giving when I've put thought into it.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

You might have heard this story before about Corrie Ten Bloom's experience in the holocaust. It's extremely popular and all over the internet, but it's a good one. Corrie and her sister were prisoners in the holocaust. The conditions were extremely bad and they're section of the prison was so flea ridden that the soldiers wouldn't come near them. They read in the bible that they should give thanks in all circumstances and from that they received peace. The fleas allowed them to keep their bible and kept the guards away. When you feel frustrated and upset, remember to look for the little reminders of things to be grateful for. Sometimes the annoyances in life can actually be a blessing and something to be grateful for.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Here are a couple of ways to honor veterans:

1. Reflect on the service that they have done.
2. Donate goods to Veteran Services
3. Write a letter or send a care package to active duty members overseas.
4. Visit gravesites with flowers.
5. Volunteer at a Veteran Hospital
6. Record an experience of a family member's service to share with future generations
7. Say Thank You
8. Hoist a flag
9. Attend a parade

Friday, November 9, 2012

Along with Olive Garden providing Veteran's with a free entree on Veteran's Day. Veteran's can get a free appetizer at Red Lobster. Click here for more details. Also on November 11th and 12th, Veterans and Active Duty Military can receive a free bloomin' onion and soda at Outback Steakhouse. It's really nice of these restaurants to honor veterans.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Home Depot's Lawn and Gardening Department has a Zombie Mulching Game (make sure you like the page and allow the app to have access) on their Facebook Page. It's kind of fun and enjoyable if you enjoy running over zombies in an orange truck and mulching them. After you get a thousand zombie points, you can get a coupon off any purchase over five dollars, 2500 points equals ten dollars and 5000 points equal fifteen dollars.I used each of my coupons in different transactions. Here's what I got with my coupons:

At the stat page, sign up to be a garden club member. This will allow you to kill Zombies with double amount of points (6 pts per zombie). I did this after I reached the $5 coupon mark so you might have to wait until you reach that mark.

The x2 symbol allows you to get double points.

The star symbol will allow you to hit barriers without penalties.

The magnet symbol draws zombies to you.

When it says you earned enough points for a level of coupon, don't go to the coupon instead finish playing the game. Some people were complaining that they lost points when they went to the coupon instead of finishing the game.

Depending on your internet speed it can take a while to get enough points, but it's $30 worth of lawn gardening care for next to nothing.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Figuring out what to make for dinner can be hard to do. My husband and I discovered making a plan for two weeks can help with grocery shopping, keeping a budget and knowing what to make. We made a meal plan chart using Microsoft Works and have it organized by meals and days of the week. Every two weeks, we plan out what we're going to have as meals and then we make a grocery list based off of those meals. We have standards that we like to make like enchiladas, tostadas and pasta (easy and cheap), but we also like to branch out and try new recipes.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Tie Coon is offering free ties ($5 tie). You will have to pay for shipping, but these should make inexpensive Christmas gifts. I used these ties for my wedding and they're great - cheap and stylish. Here's the code for a five dollar tie: 65197. Hurry this deal ends Monday!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Shabby Apple has a new giveaway - a year of free dresses (a dress a month). That's twelve new dresses by the end of the year. Who could resist? Be sure to enter by October 14th, they're announcing the winner on October 15th. Click here for more details.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Polyvore is a social media site that allows you to mix and match products and create "a set" or image display. Polyvore creations are often repinned on Pinterest. Polyvore is heavily focused on fashion, but you can also use it to display ideas for home decorating or create an image display of your favorite display views. Different brands and companies also offer contests on Polyvore.

The contests help brands to expand their identity and product offerings, but also allow you to have fun and show off your creativity in a new way. Sign up for Polyvore and show us some of the things you can create!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

If you're into pinterest, then you should try a pinterest contest.
Pinterest contests are fun putting plans, wish lists and dreams of
winning all on a convenient board. They allow you to dream a little bit of things you could have, what you would do and what you would wear. Here are some fun ones to try:

Thursday, June 21, 2012

That's right FREE orange chicken from Panda Express!!!! If you go to Panda Express after 9pm on June 22nd and give them the coupon located here, you can get free orange chicken! Yum!!

Not only can you get a free single serving of orange chicken, but Tiecoon is offering a code, 10149, at checkout to receive a $5 discount off any order until Monday (including orders of only one tie). So, get a $5 tie and get it for free. You will only have to pay for shipping!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Recently, we borrowed the movie The Big Year from the library. The Big Year is about three bird enthusiasts spending a year trying to see the most birds in a year for the competition amongst birders to see who can see the most birds within a year. It may seem like a boring movie to watch, but with comedians Steve Martin, Owen Wilson and Jack Black it's a movie worth a ton of laughs as they try to outdo each other.

Monday, June 11, 2012

The outlet for Coldwater Creek is having an additional 30% off their discounted prices. If you sign up to receive their email (which you can always unsubscribe later), you can receive a $5 coupon to be used on your purchase. There are many items with the additional 30% that are under $5.

1. Place an item in your cart.
2. Select Checkout
3. Checkout as guest or create an account
4. Where it asks for your billing, there's a field that says offer code. Enter your free shipping code: WFH5422.
5. Hit continue and verify shipping as standard.
6. Select continue and the next screen will have a drop down menu that states: Please select gift card, coupon, or merchandise credit. Select coupon. Hit continue.
7. In the next screen, enter the coupon code your received for signing up for their email in the serial number field and complete your order.

I got the Half Bead Earrings for .31 cents! What a deal. Thanks Hip2Save.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

One of Panda Express' signature items is their Orange Chicken. My hubby really loves their orange chicken. To celebrate their new summer hours, Panda Express is offering a free single serving of Orange Chicken on 6.1.2012 (tomorrow). Click here for the coupon. Another favorite is their Kung Pao chicken.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Shabby Apple offers modest, fashionable dresses. They are nice for parties, church and social gatherings. I only have three of their dresses, but each time I wear one I get compliments. Here are some Shabby Apple giveaways that are out on the web from fellow bloggers:

Saturday, April 21, 2012

I am a huge fan of Shabby Apple dresses. They are modest, look great on and are great for Sunday church. To get your own Shabby Apple click here, or try and get one free by entering one of these giveaways from the following blogs.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Panda Express has a new delicious entree menu item, Shanghai Angus Steak with steak, mushrooms, onions and asparagus. It sounds really yummy!!! On April 17, you can try this new entree item for free. Click here for your coupon and be sure to comment on this post your opinion.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Tie from my Wedding

Spring Time Tie for Hubby

I went to tiecoon for ties for my wedding. They have a range of ties in all different styles for $5. That price is hard to beat anywhere else and they have nice looking ties. I went with the Harry Potter Tie for my wedding. Recently, they had a promotion where you could get a free tie and you would just have to pay $5 or so in shipping. I picked up a spring time (white with blue stripes) tie for my husband. They're having the promotion again where you can get $5 off your order (and they have ties for just $5). Sign up for an account and use the discount code SPRING. The offer ends Sunday. These ties are great for weddings, father's day gifts or just for that special someone.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

I asked my husband what he would like for dessert for his birthday and he said Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Pie, but without whip cream, just graham cracker crust and ice cream. I started pinteresting ideas, but ended up making a slightly different version.

I couldn't find chocolate graham crackers, but I did find chocolate fudge striped Keebler cookies. I smashed them up, mixed the chunks with butter and baked at 350 degrees for ten minutes. After the crust was cooled, I placed softened mint chocolate chip ice cream in the crust, drizzled it with hot fudge and the remaining cookies. I placed in the freezer until dinner time.

It was before his birthday, but my husband and our dinner guests enjoyed their dessert. It was also super easy to do!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

I saw this cute headband with a crochet flower and decided that I wanted to learn how to make one. I learn how to do things best through watching so I found a YouTube tutorial. It didn't take long to do - about 20-30 minutes. The flower looked a little big for a headband so I placed it on a plain brown scarf that I crocheted previously. I made little green ovals for leaves and attached it to the scarf as well. A flower really dressed up the scarf.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

American Eagle is having a sale this weekend online with free shipping and an additional 25% off clearance. Be sure to use ebates before making an online purchase. This past year I've earned $20 back on my purchases online and my husband has earned even more from purchasing his school books online. I often earn points for American Eagle gift cards from an online opinion panel called e-Rewards. You can also earn points for magazine subscriptions and airline miles.Check it out by clicking here.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Last night, my husband and I watched October Sky. It was my first time watching it and when it was done I wondered what could inspire people to go against all odds and do something remarkable that will change their life for the better. It’s not as if the “rocket boy” story is a fairytale. We see it time and again where people defy what others are saying and reach for their dreams. What would motivate you enough to reach your dreams and are you motivated enough to achieve them?

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

I made my own wedding bouquet. The thought came to me that making your own bouquet would be fun and it was. I went to Pat Catans, a local craft store and got a "fresh cut" looking stem holder, which consisted of Styrofoam, and plastic stems, ribbons, and flowers. Picking out the flowers helped me decided on a color scheme. While in the store, I grouped flowers together that seemed to work together and held them like a bouquet to help me visualize what it would like. Once I got home and started working on the bouquet, I used wire cutters to help me cut the flowers to the right length. It was then a matter of arranging the flowers onto the Styrofoam. It was pretty fun and inexpensive (compared to paying someone else to do it). If you need a bouquet or flower arrangement, why not try it yourself?

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

On March 28th, Disney Stores around the country are celebrating their 25th Anniversary by giving the first 250 customers a Mickey Mouse Beanie and you can get 25% off in their store and online. If you make purchases online, don't forget to use Ebates, where you can get a rebate on your purchase. Check out the Disney store blog for more details.

Also, you can celebrate Disney's 25 years by watching some of your favorite Disney movies with your spouse, kids, or friends.